대한대장항문학회

Purpose: RNase3 is a secretory ribonuclease found in eosinophilic leukocytes and is involved in the innate immune system. Its cytotoxic activity is effective against a wide range of pathogens. Generally, high levels of RNase3 have been reported in cases of active asthma and allergic diseases. However, a relationship between RNase3 and colon cancer has not yet been reported. We performed a case-control study to examine the relationship between RNase3 polymorphisms and the risk of colorectal cancer in Korean people.

Methods: Blood sampling of each group was performed, TaqMan in g.-550A>G, PCR-RFLP in g.371C>G, and high resolution melting (HRM) in g.499C>G were analyzed. As results, the three SNPs, g.-550A>G, g.371C>G, and g.499C>G, in RNase3 and their haplotypes were analyzed.

Results: The genotype and the allele frequencies of RNase3 g.-550A>G and g.371C>G were not significantly associated with increased risk for colon cancer compared to the control group, but the RNase3 g.499C>C genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk for colorectal cancer compared to the control group (P=0.001). Also, the RNase3 g.499C>C genotype was more specifically associated with a significantly increased risk for right colon cancer than left colon cancer (P< 0.001). In haplotypes of RNase3 SNPs, g.-550G, g.371C, and g.499G were significantly associated with colorectal cancer (P=0.019): more specifically, left colon cancer and rectal cancer than right colon cancer (P=0.048).

Conclusion: The RNase3 g.499C>G polymorphism may have an influence on colorectal cancers and may have a more specific influence on right colon cancer than left colon cancer and on rectal cancer. However, the significance of the RNase3 g.-550A>G and g.371C>G polymorphisms need careful interpretation and require confirmation in larger studies.